Press Releases

(Hong Kong, 7 December 2012) K. Wah Group (the “Group”) today held its 2012 annual dinner in celebration of the Grand Bauhinia Medal (“GBM”) awarded to Dr Lui Che-woo, Chairman of K. Wah Group. During the banquet, which was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, senior management expressed their gratitude to staff and the community for their long-standing support over the years. Ms Yin Xiao-jing, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, graced the banquet with her presence as officiating guest and joined Dr Lui, Chairman of K. Wah Group, Mrs Lui and senior management of the Group at the toasting ceremony.

 

Dr Lui Che-woo (Left 4th of the front row), Chairman of K. Wah Group and Mrs Lui (Right 4th of the front row), Francis Lui (Left 3rd of the front row), Vice Chairman and key management executives of the Group, and Ms Yin Xiao-jing (Middle of the front row), Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, officiate at the toasting ceremony

A highlight of the banquet was the celebration of Dr Lui’s GBM awarded by the Hong Kong SAR Government. Dr Lui said in his speech, “It is with great honour that I accept this accolade from the Hong Kong Government. However, the recognition is not about an individual’s accomplishments but rather the concerted effort of the Group that has contributed to Hong Kong’s social and economic development for more than half a century.”

 

Dr Lui Che-woo, Chairman of K. Wah Group, gives an opening remark at the Group’s Annual Dinner 2012

On 1 July 2012, the HKSAR Government announced that Dr Lui would be honoured with the GBM in recognition of his long and distinguished record of community and charity service. Dr Lui has made significant contributions in the areas of education, hotel and tourism, medical care, arts and culture, as well as fostering communication between the business community and government.

Dr Lui established the first K. Wah Company in 1955 and undertook major land reclamation projects in East Kowloon that helped transform the district into a light-industry hub. After winning the quarrying rights for the Anderson Road Quarry in the 1960s, Dr Lui introduced machinery to the labour-intensive industry which opened up a new era of safe and efficient mechanised quarrying in Hong Kong.

Dr Lui played a vital role in raising the stature of Hong Kong’s hotel and tourism industry by constantly initiating measures to enhance service quality and nurturing local talents. He has also played an invaluable role in the sustainable development of the industry, which has been central in driving the long-term development of the city.

 

Dr Lui and Mrs Lui present a cheque to Dr Joseph Sung Jao-yiu, Vice-chancellor of The Chinese University of Hong Kong

$110 million donated to Chinese University of Hong Kong and Opera Hong Kong

As Dr Lui believes that education is essential for the betterment of society, he has funded numerous educational institutions in Hong Kong and Mainland China. During the celebration dinner, the Group presented a cheque for HK$100 million to The Chinese University of Hong Kong for the establishment of the Lui Che Woo Institute of Innovative Medicine which focuses on advancing brain research and innovative neuroscience, sports medicine, regenerative technology and cardiovascular diagnosis and treatment. The ultimate goal of the endowment is to encourage branching out into new medical fields for the benefit of patients.

 

Dr Lui and Mrs Lui jointly present a cheque to Mr Edward Ho, Chairman of Opera Hong Kong.

K. Wah International Holdings Limited, a member of K. Wah Group, has separately donated HK$10 million to Opera Hong Kong to expand its education and outreach programmes with the aim of raising public awareness and appreciation of opera and other performing arts. Ultimately, the goal is to help make Hong Kong a more cosmopolitan and culturally rich city.

 

Francis Lui, Vice Chairman of K. Wah Group, delivers a speech at the Group’s Annual Dinner 2012

Francis Lui, Vice Chairman of K. Wah Group, said, “Dr Lui’s wholehearted support of social causes has positively impacted every facet of the Group. Embracing the principle of ‘What comes from the community is to be used for the community’, we expect the Group to expand its business, while at the same time work towards promoting this motto, thus leaving a proud legacy that is appreciated by people from all walks of life.”

 

The Opera Hong Kong Children’s Choir performs golden oldies Three Little Maids from School and Thank You for the Music